Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater has earned a first call-up to the senior England squad for the upcoming friendly clashes with Germany and the Netherlands.

The recognition from head coach Roy Hodgson is reward for the 26-year-old's performances in a Leicester City shirt this season.

While the likes of Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N'Golo Kante have received widespread praise, Drinkwater has also been credited with a place having played a leading role in Leicester's surprise elevation to the top of the Premier League.

The aforementioned Vardy is also included, while fellow strikers Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge have also returned following lengthy spells on the sidelines with injuries.

However, captain Wayne Rooney does not feature because of a knee complaint that has kept him out of action since mid-February.

England squad:

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)